As we continue our One Another Christianity series, we come now to a command that directly affects the unity, health, and spiritual strength of the church.
Christianity was never meant to be lived with a critical spirit, a divisive attitude, or a posture that constantly tears others down. Christ calls His people to something far different. He calls us to pursue peace, protect unity, and intentionally build up one another in the faith.
In Romans 14, the apostle Paul addresses tensions within the church over personal convictions and preferences. Instead of allowing disagreements to produce judgment and division, believers were called to walk in humility, love, and edification.
That same command is desperately needed in the church today.
Stop Tearing Down One Another
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” — Romans 14:13
Paul’s concern in Romans 14 is not the abandonment of truth or discernment. Scripture still calls believers to confront sin and stand firmly upon sound doctrine. But here, Paul addresses the danger of judging one another over matters of personal conviction and preference.
Some believers in Rome judged others based on food, traditions, and outward practices. Instead of strengthening one another, they were creating division within the body.
The same temptation exists today.
Often, we measure spirituality by externals. We create mental checklists of what a “real Christian” should look like, sound like, or prefer. And when someone does not fit our expectations, criticism and judgment quietly begin to grow.
But a judgmental spirit does not strengthen the church—it weakens it.
Paul redirects the focus inward: “So then each one of us will give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Instead of constantly evaluating others, believers are called to walk humbly before the Lord and care deeply about the spiritual good of one another.
Pursue Peace and Edification
“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” — Romans 14:19
Notice the language Paul uses: pursue.
This is not passive Christianity. Believers are called to actively seek the spiritual strengthening of one another. Building up the church requires intentional love, encouragement, patience, and grace.
The opposite of judging and tearing down is building up.
Every believer should be asking: “Am I helping strengthen the faith of others, or am I making their walk with Christ more difficult?” Our words, attitudes, and actions all influence the people around us.
Paul also makes clear there is no neutral ground. Verse 19 speaks of building up, while verse 20 warns against tearing down. If we are not intentionally contributing to peace and edification, we will eventually contribute to division and weakness.
The church is strongest when believers are committed not to themselves, but to the spiritual good of one another.
A Church That Strengthens One Another
At Cedar Baptist Church, may we refuse a spirit of unnecessary criticism, pride, and division. May we be a people who labor to strengthen one another in Christ.
The world tears people down every day. The church should be different.
May our words encourage. May our actions help others follow Christ more faithfully. May we protect the unity Christ purchased with His own blood. And may our church become a place where people are consistently pointed toward spiritual maturity, deeper holiness, and greater love for Jesus Christ. When believers pursue peace and intentionally build up one another, the beauty of the gospel becomes visible within the church